Mikoyan MiG-33
The name of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG -33 (Russian Микоян - Гуревич МиГ -33) refers to multiple projects and combat aircraft of the Russian aircraft manufacturer Mikoyan -Gurevich. So was the "Project R -33 " first the identification MiG- 33rd After this, however, failed, the name MiG- 33 was still used for the MiG - 29ME and -K. These names, however, were only assigned by the manufacturer; the Russian military has the name MiG -33 has not yet been used.
"Project R -33 "
The early eighties began work on the project R- 33rd The aim was to develop a single-engine variant of the MiG -29, which are not yet at that time was in the service. The occasion was probably the performance of the F -16, which was slowly being revealed at this time. Since the F -16 was a very simple and thus cost-effective design that was very versatile, they have been increasingly becoming a strategic problem for the Soviet armed forces, as well as small NATO countries such as Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands, to fitting out with such machines. Actually, the MiG -29 was intended as a counterpart to the F -16, but let this not produce in such large quantities. The R -33 should provide the ability to easily copy the operation of the F -16 and replace it within the Warsaw Pact, the MiG -21 and -23 in order to restore a balance. However, the re-design of the MiG -29 proved to be a too costly endeavor. When then turned out that the R -33 would not achieve the desired flexibility, one discontinued the project in 1986, even before the first prototype was completed.
Parts of the development later incorporated into the Chinese Chengdu FC-1. It is the further development of the Chengdu J- seventh Originally should develop the bike, European and American companies, however, the cooperation was terminated after the Tiananmen Square Massacre to political pressure.
MiG- 29ME
Main article: Mikoyan -Gurevich MiG -29
The MiG - 29M was the first major modernization program of the MiG- 29th It began in the early 1990s and should resolve deficiencies and weaknesses, and generally cause an increase in combat effectiveness. Then the MiG- 29ME was available, which was described from a marketing point of MiG -33 " Super Fulcrum " for export. The Russian military has rejected this type of designation, which is why you came back again to the old name. It never came to an export of this model.
MiG- 29K
Main article: Mikoyan -Gurevich MiG -29
The MiG- 29K is a Carrier-based model of the MiG- 29th For this purpose, the airframe had to be partially redesigned significantly to meet the increased structural loads requirements. Primary changes were made to the wings, which were enlarged. This could improve the slow flight characteristics that are important for carrier landings. Furthermore, it was also reinforced the chassis, thereby also higher weapons loads were possible, which in turn was necessary because increased flexibility was required. In addition, the wings are now foldable to be to limited space, meet on an aircraft carrier. To counteract the increase in total weight of the airframe and the resulting poorer flight characteristics, the stronger Klimov RD -33 turbofan engines were used. The avionics used largely corresponds to the MiG- 29SMT version.
This model is from the manufacturer MAPO again as MiG- 33, MiG- 33D and for the two-seater version advertised, and was successfully exported to the Indian Navy. However, the Russian military machine continues designated as MiG- 29K.